US Army pursues commercial routes to modernise cannon and mortar manufacturing

The United States Army is seeking commercial manufacturing expertise to modernize production of cannon barrels and mortar-related equipment at Watervliet Arsenal in New York. An October 2026 industry notice invited firms to propose digital manufacturing, automation and process-integration approaches that could connect existing machinery with more modern industrial systems. The effort also involves capabilities associated with the arsenal's Benét Laboratories and is intended to improve production efficiency, quality management and responsiveness to military requirements. This is an industry-engagement and modernization initiative rather than an awarded factory contract or evidence that additional artillery output has already been achieved.